A/N: Hope you had a nice weekend.
Warning: A little language here. You must be at least 16 years of age to read this chapter.
Chapter 6
-Whispering Woods, Etheria -
The two princesses embraced one another.
"It's so good to see you!" Glimmer stated, releasing her friend.
"Likewise. How are things here?"
"Developing," the pink coiffed commander stated soberly taking her seat, Adora following. She tugged at her leather jacket. "The entire planet is breathing a sigh of relief after the protracted occupation. Although the rebuild will take time, we are free, and we are grateful." A shadow cast across her features. Concerned, Adora eyed her.
"Your face suggests otherwise."
Flinching Glimmer straightened, her eyes meeting Adora's. "It's fine. Everything's fine."
"No, it is not."
She held her gaze. "Okay it's not."
"What's wrong? Are there not enough supplies and manpower from Eternia?"
"No, it's not that it's –"
The tent flap abruptly opened. "Glimmer, we—" Sea Hawk stopped mid-sentence, his eyes darting to the Eternian. "Oh. I'm sorry, Princess Adora. I didn't know you were here—"
"It's alright, Lieutenant," she replied with an understanding smile. "It's nice to see you. How are you?"
"Fine. Everything's fine," he stated haltingly, his forlorn sea green gaze going back to the Bright Moon princess, her violet gaze averting. "Umm…I'll come back later. It was very nice seeing you," he stated with a quick bow before darting out of the tent. Adora's gaze slowly returned.
"The everything's fine bit is less than convincing."
Glimmer pressed her lips together.
"What's going on between you two?"
With a deep breath, the commander stood and began to pace. "After your brother and I broke up, I finally realized, with the help of my mother that Luna was truly in love with me and that I was the one afraid of commitment," she stated, wringing her hands. "Subconsciously, I think I pursued Adam because I knew that a relationship with him was totally implausible."
Her eyes on the pacing woman, knowing the reason for the breakup Adora quirked a brow. "How so?"
Glimmer stopped. "Because of duty, he can't leave Eternia. I can't leave Etheria."
"So, knowing you harbor a fear of commitment, you announced your interest in my brother knowing full well it would never work out."
Her eyes distraught, Glimmer nodded.
Adora's sapphire gaze tightened. "Did you ever have genuine feelings for him?"
"I did. It was hard not to I mean look at him," she explained waving a hand. "I fell in love with Adam. I told him so."
She knit her brow. "Were you in love with Lieutenant Hawk?"
"Maybe. I think so," she said haltingly.
"Then why?"
"Why what?"
Struggling to comprehend, Adora blinked. "Why pursue my brother when your heart was with someone else?"
"Because at the time, I didn't really know it was," Glimmer replied. "I thought Luna was duplicitous in his declaration of love for me, so I pushed him away."
The Princess nodded. "So…you hurt Luna, then later, you hurt Adam?" she said more like a statement.
The Commander made a face. "Unfortunately…yes."
Adora glanced away, her gaze going distant. "I'm trying to understand matters of the heart and I have to say, I have a lot to learn. The Horde was much simpler."
"How?"
She looked at her. "There was no love, only usury." Adora shrugged her shoulders, "I'm observing that natural, organic love is very complicated and painful. At least with The Horde, you knew exactly where they were coming from," she snorted, "Your only value was what you could do for them. Very exploitive. Very selfish."
Biting her lip, Glimmer approached and sat next to her friend. She took her hand.
"I want you to know, Adora, that I am very sorry for what I did to your brother, and that I didn't intend for any of this to happen. I still have feelings for him, but I know because of our stations in life, it will never work out."
Adora nodded, clapping her hand atop Glimmer's. "I sense you are sincere in this. I believe there was no intention to hurt him; you were emotionally conflicted. I appreciate your honesty." She took a deep breath, Glimmer knitting her brow.
"Is…is he okay?"
Adora tilted her head. "After the breakup, he resigned himself to a life of duty without love. It was painful for him that the only two women he would dare imagine a future with had suddenly been denied him. It was touch and go for a little while." She looked at her. "He liked you a lot."
The commander's features sagged in sadness and remorse.
"But now that he and the Captain are back together, I believe his heart is finally mending—"
"What?"
The Blonde blinked at her. "Didn't Lance tell you?"
"He told me that the Sorceress was back, but he didn't mention anything about Adam and Teela reconciling," she said, stunned.
Pausing, the former Force Captain pursed her lips. "It was apparent but not expressly stated, I guess. They are together, Glimmer, and I'm sure there are plans for marriage at this point," she stated delicately.
Glimmer took a long deep breath, her violet gaze pained.
Rallying, she nodded. "I'm happy for them."
Adora squeezed her friend's hand. "Perhaps now, you should do what is necessary for your own happiness?"
The Commander's gaze darted back to the Captain's. She gave a resigned nod.
The Rebellion's leadership wrapped up their meeting in the command tent, Captain Miro providing detailed information about the newly discovered safehouses and whether the weapons and supplies found there were safe to confiscate.
The entire time, Bow couldn't keep his eyes off of her.
The meeting broke, Bow approaching his Love.
"Hi."
Adora whirled. "Oh. Hi."
"Can we go somewhere and talk? Privately?"
A smile slowly creeped across her lips. "Of course."
Taking her hand, Lance led her out of the tent, the two bundled in fur lined coats to ward off the cold, their boots crunching against the freshly fallen snow. They walked deeper into the woods, the quiet solace familiar and refreshing, the brisk breeze snapping against her cheeks turning them rosy.
He turned to face her, holding her hands in his, her expectant gaze locked on his.
"I brought you out here to remind you that…I love you, Dor."
She swallowed hard and gave a nod.
"And…I want you to know my intentions."
"Okay," she replied, apprehensive.
"But first, I promised I would come clean on something I did to you…something I'm not proud of and happened a long time ago."
Awkward pause.
"It was when you infiltrated the camp as a Horde spy," he added quietly, unsure.
Her chin lowering she knit her brow. "Okay," she drew out, dreading what came next.
Bow pressed his lips together, squeezing her hands. "I…I didn't trust you. I was assigned guard duty outside your tent and heard a noise. Thinking you were trying to escape or something, I peeked between the flaps." He hesitated. She studied him.
"Go on."
He took a sobering breath. "What I saw was you sitting on the bed, your back to me. You removed your top and oh my Ancients, you were so beautiful I couldn't immediately look away," he stated, his tone apologetic. "I mustered all the strength I had to finally turn around. I'm so sorry, Dor. Do…do you forgive me?"
Adora blinked at him, searching her muddied memories, The Horde's brainwashing making her go deeper into the recesses of her mind—
"I remember that."
Lance flinched. "You do?"
She nodded. "Yes."
"What do you mean? You remember…being inside the tent?"
Realizing, she clapped her mittened hands over her mouth, her eyes apologetic. Taking his hands in hers, she cleared her throat.
"Lance, that was a Horde seduction tactic," she quietly explained. "I…I am so sorry you carried that guilt this whole time. I knew you were watching me. It was all part of the infiltration and a means to get what The Horde wanted from The Rebellion," ashamed her eyes found the snowy ground. "I am sorry. It's I who should be asking you for forgiveness."
His eyebrows flew upward.
Silence.
"How about…we forgive each other?"
Her sapphire gaze flew up to meet his. Relieved, she gave a small smile and a nod, he returning it.
"Now, with the air properly cleared," his amber gaze boring into hers, he slowly knelt on one knee, "Princess Adora Miro of Eternia, would you accept my hand in marriage?"
Surprised Adora's mouth fell open, Spirit catching her emotions and whinnying in the distance.
"Uhh…umm…but…"
"But what?" he asked, his brow knit. "Don't you like me?"
"Don't you see, that's just it, remember? I don't know how to love but I know I like you very much—"
"That's enough for me," he said.
"But Lance…," confused, she glanced about finding the words. He stared up at her.
"You told me that you would learn how to love me. I said I would be patient—"
"Umm, YEAH," she replied, her tone sarcastic.
With a shrug, he snorted a laugh. "I'll be patient of course, but…I want to marry you, Dor."
"Now?"
Another chuckle. "No not now! I still have to ask your father and, Ancients," he swallowed hard, "Your scary and frankly terrifying big brother. I just want to know if you accept me."
"Of course, I accept you!" she almost shouted, "It's just, all so fast. That means you'll have to move to Eternia. That means you'll be leaving your family and friends. You'll have no identity and be called Mr. Princess—"
Bow laughed. "I don't mind making all of those changes if it means being with you, Dor. My parents as you know died many years ago when I was seized by The Horde. I have a cousin here and that's all the family I've got. And trust me, he ain't worth me staying on Etheria," he snorted before waxing sober. He stood to his feet. "I love you and I want to marry you."
Speechless, Adora stared at him, wide eyed.
He quirked a brow. His features suddenly leveled in worry. "If you're not—"
"Yes."
He flinched. "What?"
"Yes, I will marry you, Lieutenant Lancelot Bow of Etheria."
It was his turn to be shocked, his jaw dropping.
Adora eyed him. "Okay so why are you shocked, now?"
"I…I didn't think it would be this easy."
"Well, it was," she said sheepishly and a little offended, releasing his hands and glancing about.
He narrowed his gaze. "This wasn't a 'sympathy yes', was it?"
"What? No!" she folded her arms.
"I don't know! It's just…you seemed kinda hesitant!" he explained, harried.
"Because all we've done is kiss, that was it," she replied, "And I've never…you know."
He frowned. "No, I don't."
"I've never…," she trailed off tilting her head hoping he'd catch the clue.
His eyes went round. "You mean you've never had sex?"
"Shhhhh!" she shushed angrily, glancing about. "I mean we're far from camp but shit, not that far!" she replied annoyed.
Bow stared at her, mouth open. "The great She-Ra is a virgin?" he whisper shouted, more like a statement. "That's incredible."
Adora glared at him.
"The feared and formidable Horde Force Captain Adora is a vir—?"
"OKAY I get it, I get it, you're fucking surprised!" she shouted, thoroughly annoyed.
Shocked, a small smile curled his lips. "I am, but not in a judgmental way or anything."
Adora squinted at him. "Well, how then?"
"I'm surprised that, with you being such a high-ranking officer, so skilled at combat and so in-charge, this part of you is so innocent. It's a pleasant surprise, and I like it."
Her features leveled. "Oh."
Bow moved closer, her eyes on his.
She recoiled slightly. "What's happening?"
He chuckled and cradled her beautiful face in his hands. Leaning in, he placed a long, loving kiss to her lips, her eyelids closing, her arms encircling his waist, the kiss seemingly melting away any and all hesitation or animosity between them.
The kiss broke. She smiled.
"You know…I'm glad you're taller than me."
He grinned. "Why?"
"Because I won't have to be annoyed at your wounded pride by wearing boots like some guys I know," she snorted. "How tall are you?"
"I'm 6'2"."
"Perfect," she said with a smile.
They kissed again in the quiet solace of the Woods, the trees swaying in the frigid breeze, their hearts encouraged…warmed…connected.
-T'Allarma REAC Base, Eternia -
Off duty, Gada took a sip of hot herbal tea and casually flipped through a magazine, the sound of the CRT blaring in the background of the Mess Hall.
"….breaking news. We've just been told by a reputable source that a recording has been captured at Eternos Palace proving unequivocally that Prince Adam Miro and Captain Teela Duncan are indeed the He-Man and Sorceress of Castle Greyskull –"
Gada choked, spitting out the tea and snapping her head to the CRT over her shoulder—
"…is likely. The following was captured just moments ago."
The Sergeant watched in horror as shaky video of her two friends inside some sort of gymnasium aggressively sparring played out, the two going at it no holds barred; Teela back flipping a disrobement move, Adam throwing the sword in the air with a jump hook kick, the video providing no sound but clearly them, no question.
Another video was played for comparison, this time grainy video at the bloody battle against The Horde at Castle Greyskull's Evergreen Forest showing The Warrior performing the same move as the Prince, the Sorceress emulating the Captain's backflip, the snowy grounds stained with blood, the battle raging and fierce.
Her chestnut gaze going wide, it darted about as her comrades gathered around the mounted CRT, staring silently, chatter swelling, their heads glancing around looking for her to corroborate.
"Hey, aren't you Captain Duncan's best friend, Sergeant Durizimen?" someone called out.
Frozen, she nodded.
Some of them began to rush toward her, others staring at the video replay in excited disbelief, shouting at the advanced combat moves.
"So, tell us, is this true, Sergeant?" they clamored about, anxious at the apparent revelation.
"Uhh…"
"It's true!" someone else answered for her, "Look at her face! There's no doubt—"
"And she knows the Crown Prince personally, too!"
"Uhh…"
As the questions came at her fast and furious, packing up she slammed the magazines shut, grabbed what was left of her tea and rushed out, airmen and women shouting and running after her as she raced down the halls, inserted her key into her door, and disappeared inside her chambers, the clamor increasing as they crowded her door.
Dropping her things on the desk, she ran to her communicator and dialed.
"Eternos Palace. How may I direct your call?"
"Get me Captain Duncan. NOW!"
xxx
On horseback, Adora leapt through the revolving portal into Greyskull's Throne Room. Spirit restless and trotting about as she jumped from her mount and rushed to the Sorceress.
"What's wrong? Is everybody alright?"
"Yes, Princess Adora, everyone is healthy," she calmly replied, "However, something alarming has happened. Since you have been summoned to return early, your security detail is not here to meet you," she explained.
Whirling and shooting out a palm, another portal ripped opened over the Sorceress' shoulder.
"Mount your steed and take this one back to the Palace, Little One. Commander Duncan will explain further."
She nodded, ran back to Spirit and, grasping his mane she tossed a leg over him. Goading with her boot heels, he took off like a shot galloping into the second portal as the first collapsed behind her, the portal slamming shut.
Teela'Na folded her arms, her features grave.
xxx
-Security Council Chambers, The Palace -
Adora burst through the double doors to find Teela with her hands over her mouth, Adam reclining in a chair, his arm folded over his chest pinching the bridge of his nose, the King pacing and shouting.
"By Horde World, what happened now?" she shouted, slamming the doors behind her.
Commander Duncan, Major Hall, and Commander Marcus sat still and at attention at the oval cherry wood table, their heads snapping to her as Queen Marlena sat with her arms folded, her legs crossed, her features pensive. Livid, Randor waved a hand at them.
"What happened was that your brother and future sister-in-law were caught on tape being themselves!"
At the familial status, all eyes went wide and snapped to a surprised Teela, Adam now running a hand down his face in exasperation. Frowning in confusion, Adora snapped her head at Adam.
"Nice. Thanks, Dad."
Realizing it, Randor froze and gave a sigh. "Geez, I'm sorry son."
"No problem."
His father squinted at the sarcastic response.
"How on Earth did a video get smuggled inside the Palace?" Marlena asked, her voice a calm intensity.
Duncan shook his head. "My security checks all traffic in and out of the Palace on a daily basis, Your Majesty," he replied, disturbed. "I also hold random tossing of quarters every month, my people unaware of when these occur keeping them on their toes." He nodded at Hall. "Major Hall advised me the tossing was completed just this week."
Didimus nodded. "Yes, Sir," he replied, turning to the King and Queen. "Everyone was clean. No cameras, Your Majesties."
"So how did this happen?"
At a loss, everyone shook their heads.
Annoyed for being summoned from Lance's arms so soon, Adora huffed. "Why is it that every time I'm gone, Adam does something stupid," she complained, pulling out a chair and plopping in her seat.
The Prince shot her a sardonic smile. "Thanks, DAD, but sparring is not stupid. What's stupid and frankly, straight up life threatening is some asshole with the nerve to record shit in our fuckin' house—"
"Language, son, language."
"Sorry."
Enjoying the candor, Hall gave an admiring grin.
"I take full responsibility for this security breach and will tender my resignation effective immediately."
Everyone all at once protested Duncan's statement, the Commander raising his palms, undeterred. "This is my fault. It stops with me."
"Farrell, don't be so severe, for crissake!" Randor replied, "It's not necessary to resign whenever something goes left."
The two oldest and dearest friends, annoyed, Teela's father made a face.
"Maybe I should be the one to resign—"
Another barrage of protests, Adam snapping his head to his girlfriend. "Hell no, Love."
"Then what do we do?" Teela asked.
"I know what needs to be done," the calm disembodied voice filled the chambers, "That is, if the Prince and Princess Royal are willing."
Catching the hint, Adam's brows flew up. "Oh. Ohh no, uh uh. Not again," he shook his head. "That was like DEATH—"
"What?" Adora asked, glancing around the chambers at all the knowing looks. Commander Marcus turned to the Princess.
"Your Highness, the last time Castle Greyskull sought to protect its secret, it called for the Crown Prince to split in two."
Her eyes went round.
"And I believe that is what the Sorceress is suggesting you must do as well," he finished.
"But no one caught me on tape!"
"But by deduction, they'll put two and two together, dear," Marlena replied. "Knowing who your brother is, they will figure out who you are, if they haven't already."
Adora glared at him from across the room. "Nice going."
Adam rolled his eyes.
"It wasn't his fault," Randor said, "It's whoever this interloper is," he thought for a moment. "Sorceress, can't you see who did this?"
"There is a magical veil blocking me, Good King."
The chambers went silent, everyone exchanging glances.
Adam sighed running a hand over his face. "Not a new villain."
Over the next few days, the chorus of voices calling for the government to come clean increased as the videos played split screen on loop throughout the Kingdom to the chagrin of the Royal Family, calls for a statement swelling.
Video of news crews ambushing and shoving microphones at Stratos, Sy-Klone, and Buzz-Off rushing out of their individual places of residence played incessantly as they publicly denied that He-Man and Prince Adam were one and the same, body language experts providing their analyses determining the veracity of their statements.
Throughout all this, The Palace remained silent, crowds gathering outside the wrought iron gold-tipped gates as they chanted, He-Man, She-Ra, Sorceress day and night.
xxx
-The King's Chambers -
"It WASN'T ME, Brother," Keldor shouted over the communicator. "Do you seriously believe I'd risk my ass after what you did by outing my niece and nephew?"
Sighing, Randor folded his arms. "Maybe not. But this could be a final fuck-you. That wouldn't be surprising."
Silence.
"And don't you dare flip me off, Little Brother."
The look on Keldor's face at being caught made Evelyn snicker in the background.
"I need your help."
"I'm listening."
"I need you to find out who's hiding this asshole, Kel. You still practice sorcery, correct?"
A pause. "Will I be incriminating myself if I said yes?"
"Probably," Randor shot back, amused.
Another pause.
"I only recall EXILE on the paperwork, Brother Dear, not banning sorcery," he replied, his tone suddenly resembling his alter. "And by the way, if that's the case why don't you throw in burning books for chuckles?"
"Knock it off, Kel. Are you in or out?"
Keldor thought for a moment. "Fine. I'll help. But I'd better get something out of this—"
"As usual! You can't ever do something out of the goodness of your heart, can you?"
"Oh, fuck you, Randy!"
"Boys, stop acting like five year olds! Now shut the fuck up and focus!"
They went silent, Randor's wide hazel gaze moving to his exasperated wife, her arms folded, her eyes hard.
"Geez, Marlena," Keldor breathed on the other end. He sighed. "Okay I'll do it but no more freebies, understand?"
Randor rolled his eyes. "Fine. Report to Duncan."
He heard another exasperated sigh. "FINE. Goodbye."
xxx
-The Prince's Chambers -
"So," Teela began, pissed and pacing the room, "We can't kiss, touch, or be seen together. We can't be ourselves, and we can't exercise or train. Do I have that straight?"
"Yep."
Folding her arms, she blew out a breath. "I might as well be back at Greyskull," she nearly shouted, "Talk about incarceration!"
Adam took a deep disappointed breath. He opened his mouth to reply –
"And what was that joke your dad made about me being Adora's future sister-in-law?"
He quirked a brow. "Remember our conversation, the one we had before I left for Etheria?"
Teela knit her brow. "Yes."
"Well…it's about that."
Her eyes went wide. "You told your FATHER that you wanted to marry me?"
"Yes," he replied, annoyed. "Why is that surprising?"
"It…I don't know…it just makes it…real," she said sheepish.
Adam glared up at her. "Don't do this to me again, babe—"
"No, no I know," she said, her hands flapping, resuming pacing, "It's just…."
"What?"
"I'd be the future queen," she went pale, swallowing hard. "I mean, I know I have to get over it but Ancients…," she trailed off. "Gada and I had this talk already…"
Adam stood and grasped her shoulders making her stop. He looked down into her eyes. "If you say yes, Mom is going to train you," he replied. "You're not going to be thrown to the wolves. At least not right away," he cracked a grin.
"That's not funny!" she shouted, angry.
He released her. "What I'm saying is, you'll go through training and you won't be alone. I'll help." He eyed her. "I will ask you again; is that the only off-putting shit you're stressing about, or is there more?"
She shook her head. "No, that's all. Wait, I lied. How about the jealous courtier bitches I'll have to deal with?" she asked, concerned. "We're going to have to get through the courting period, then the formal announcement after which we'll be engaged one full year before the wedding. That's a lot of 'almost wifey' I'll have to muck through."
Empathetic, he moved closer, gathering her in his arms. She rested her cheek against his chest listening to the soft beat of his heart.
"Fuck 'em."
Teela snorted a laugh. "How very diplomatically put, Your Highness."
-Two Days Later -
A statement was finally released inviting representatives from the Kingdom's news bureaus to a press conference today at the Palace addressing the Greyskull rumors. Adam and Adora had spent the last twenty-four hours at Castle Greyskull preparing for the separation and had just finished conditioning, the Princess a little apprehensive as they lie on adjacent gurneys in the recovery room. Her brother studied her.
"What is it, Sis?"
"This is a little unnerving," she confided, her gaze on the ceiling. "Splitting our essence into two bodies? And for like almost an hour?"
He sighed, turning back to the ceiling. "It's no picnic."
Adora frowned. "How did it feel?"
"Like suffocating," he replied, his eyes pinned to the sparkling heavens. "When you switch bodies, you have half a second to take a full breath or you'll lapse into a coma."
"By Horde World!" she shouted, disturbed.
"It will be alright, Young One," the Sorceress stated entering Queen Veena's chambers. "You merely breathe deeply and calmly, standing firm in the knowledge that The Omniscient One will keep you safe in His care." She eyed both of them. "I am sorry this has befallen you, but it is for the best. Greyskull must protect its secret and in so doing, protect you and all of Eternia."
Adam closed his eyes and gave a resigned nod, Adora biting her lip.
Teela'Na waved an elegant arm, the chambers dimming in peaceful serenity. "I will return. Practice your breath, Young Ones."
At that she vanished with a crack of thunder.
Adam interlaced his fingers and crossed his ankles. "Might as well accept what's happening, Adora."
She let out a deep sigh.
Silence.
"Question."
"Yes?" she replied.
"Why were you so pissed at me a few days ago?"
She frowned. "When?"
"At the security meeting," he replied, "You seemed upset you were called back from Etheria so soon. Did it have something to do with Bow?"
Adora opened her mouth to reply then closed it, Adam's knowing gaze darting right.
"I see."
"No, you don't," she said with a chuckle.
"Enlighten me."
She pressed her lips together. "Lance asked me to marry him."
Adam did a double take before swinging a leg over and abruptly sitting upright. "He fuckin' WHAT?"
Still on her back, Adora nodded at him. "He…asked me to accept his hand in marriage."
Her brother stared at her. "What did you say?"
"I said yes."
His mouth fell open. "Do you love him?"
"I like him," she said, "I'm not sure how to love yet."
Adam frowned. "Not the best start. Trust me."
Adora swung a leg and sat up. "The engagement to Frosta?"
He nodded.
"I know but it seems right. We've been through a lot together. The last two times he was here we talked well into the night. He knows I'm struggling and is willing to work through it."
They held each other's gazes.
"Okay."
She looked surprised. "Did you just say, okay?"
He glanced away and lay back down. "You don't need my permission. You can make your own damn decisions."
Adora smiled. "Exactly." She lay back down and stared at the ceiling. "We've also forgiven each other for things we've said or done in the past. That's a huge step," she glanced at him, "Sage advice I received from my big brother a few months ago."
Adam gave her the side eye. She snorted a laugh.
"It sounds like he loves you and his intentions are pure. That's all that matters to me."
Nodding, her gaze went back to the heavens.
Silence.
"He's scared of you."
"Good."
More chuckling.
xxx
-1PM That Day, Eternos Palace -
The Palace received the nearly one thousand broadcast and print journalists from all parts of the Kingdom, treating them to lunch before the press conference started, the contingent escorted to Greyskull Assembly Hall, they all finding seats as the chatter remained lively and energetic.
The gold-plated double doors opened, the Herald emerging and taking his station.
He banged the bottom of his staff as everyone quieted down, still and video cameras poised and rolling.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Their Majesties welcome you to Greyskull Assembly Hall, Eternos Palace. We will begin shortly. We advise you to follow the stated rules in your invitations with regard to decorum and protocol. You are reminded that your bureau executives have signed the agreements forthwith. We advise you to follow the instructions of the Palace staff and refrain from taking any unauthorized photos and video. Please do not shout out questions over one another as this will result in swift dismissal.
"We also advise against straying from the official escort, or you will be guided out of Their Majesties' presence and banned from The Palace for a period of no more than ninety days. Are these rules clear and do you understand them?"
The massive crowd replied in the affirmative.
He banged the staff three times. "Now please rise in deference as we announce the arrival of The Royal Family of Eternia; The High King and Queen Of The Three Realms! The Crown Prince and Princess Royal Of Eternia!"
All rose, bowed and curtseyed as the family emerged escorted by Man-At-Arms; the official sounding of the trumpets blaring as they made their way to the front tables draped in fine ivory linens, gold carafes of water and crystal drinking glasses dotting the elongated tables.
Randor and Adam held chairs as Marlena and Adora accepted taking their seats, the men following. Captain Duncan arrived taking her position beside her father, the two standing at attention.
Expectant murmurs began to swell as everyone took their seats. The King held up a palm, the clamor dying down, the Prince and Princess glancing about the chambers, their features unreadable.
"We'll take these questions in the order as planned on your programs," he said, his hazel gaze scanning the Hall as everyone flipped open their books, cameras clicking and rolling.
Randor nodded. The first journalist stood.
"Thank you, Your Majesties for allowing this to happen and for your gracious invitation. I am Brynnan from News Maxx. Can you please tell us why The Palace took so long to release a statement and follow up, are your children indeed He-Man and She-Ra of Greyskull?"
The murmuring swelling, Randor held up a hand.
"As you know, we've just come off a battle with The Horde and we're busy managing resources and manpower for the restoration of two planets; Eternia and our sister Etheria. We didn't have time to drop everything and address petty gossip but felt the need to release a statement once it reached fever pitch and lives were endangered."
"Lives? How so, Sire?"
King Randor gave a knowing smirk. "I'm sure your bureau covered the fervor at our gates? People were climbing the irons injuring themselves…the swarm nearly caused trampling. This is unacceptable."
More chatter.
"And…my children are not the Warriors of Greyskull."
The chatter increased.
A second journalist stood. "I am Killion, Sire, and my firm Obedium CRT thanks you for the invite. How can you avow that Their Highnesses maintain who they say they are after proven video on my network broke the story and proved otherwise? And Captain Duncan is clearly seen as well. It's evident who they really are, and I believe the Kingdom knows it."
The energy in the chambers intensified, the Royal Family exchanging glances.
"They are not who you claim them to be, Killion."
Another journalist rose. "But Sire, why keep this a secret? If this were true, your children are heroes! They saved our worlds! They should be recognized and applauded."
Yet another stood to her feet. "Wouldn't you want everyone to know that Prince Adam is not a coward? That he is one of Greyskull's mighty and courageous Warriors?"
The chambers went silent, all eyes shooting to The Crown Prince who simply folded his arms.
"My son is not a coward, Madame," the Queen replied, her hazel-blue gaze icy, "And there is no need to prove anything."
"It's true that during battle, the Royal Twins were seen assisting the troops," she replied, "I give you that. But still there's a pervasive impression among the citizens that he runs from trouble and that he is a womanizer. Forgive me Your Majesty, but if this is a frank and open press, I feel it's imperative to use candor when referring to the rumors out there. You need to know what is being said."
Marlena's gaze narrowed; the woman shaken quickly dropping to her seat. "I am aware of the slander of my son's character. Gossip and outright lies are unfortunate consequences of our positions."
Another journalist stood in the assembly. "We understand that the daughter of Man-At-Arms served as the Sorceress of Greyskull. Is that true? We have video attesting to it."
Teela felt a jolt, her features unmoved.
"The Captain had a pivotal role in the defeat of The Horde," the Prince replied, "But she is not Sorceress of Castle Greyskull. Her assignment was classified in which she helped gather intel on the enemy and assisted in actively hastening their defeat."
"And what exactly did she do?"
Adam's eyes narrowed. "It's classified."
Another. "Do you and the Captain spar often?"
The Prince's gaze shifted left. "She's the Captain of the Royal Guard so yes we spar, but not often."
"What's the nature of your relationship—"
"This press conference is to specifically debunk the rumors that I am He-Man, and my sister is She-Ra. Nothing more. Sit DOWN."
The man paled and took his seat.
It took everything in Teela's power to keep her composure, the man genuinely seemed afraid for his life.
"Princess Royal, how do you account for the fact that She-Ra is from Etheria and that you spent your whole life there?"
Adora's features were stone. "Coincidence."
The man smirked. "Respectfully, I don't believe in coincidence."
She quirked a brow. "Meaning?"
Arrogant, he snickered a swagger, "I'm a man that believes in what he sees, hears, tastes, smells, and touches. Anything outside of the five senses is make believe."
"You don't have to believe in gravity, but it sure as hell believes in you when you fall on your ass, Sir," she shot back.
The King and Queen snapped their heads to their daughter, Adam stifling a laugh keeping his sapphire gaze straight ahead, the whole assembly bursting in laughter as the man, properly dressed down, took a seat.
The assembly quieted as a woman stood. "Thank you for your kind invitation, Your Majesties. In light of the recent videos, my readers would like to know how The Palace intends to prove that Their Highnesses are not the famed Warriors of Greyskull. Why not invite them here so everyone can see?"
The chatter increased to almost deafening, the King raising a palm as it died down.
"I would be happy to," he replied, gesturing towards the back of the Hall.
Gasps were heard about the cavernous chambers as the double doors in the back swung open, everyone turning, some standing to get a better look while beneath the table, Adam grasped Adora's hand as the two took a stealthy breath and went dormant, Teela's concerned emerald gaze shifting to the two.
Members of The Guard rushed through, armed and ready flanking the entrance.
He-Man and She-Ra emerged, gasps and excited squeals reaching their ears as the Twin Warriors scanned the congregate and slowly walked down the middle of the assembly, people jumping to their feet, cameras rolling and shuttering, chairs knocking backward in surprise.
The two otherworldly, marveling, some reached out to touch the famous twins, She-Ra's steely gaze moving over the journalists, camera flash reflecting against her winglet crown of pure gold as she followed her brother, He-Man reaching behind and taking her hand.
Men couldn't help but reach out and touch the silky blonde tresses that ran down her back. Women touched his muscular shoulders, biceps, and his gold wrist cuffs as He-Man warily scanned the room, many remarking at the sheer height of these two as they moved past.
The Power Sword suddenly whizzed and crackled against his back causing The Defender to abruptly stop, someone withdrawing in pain. He glared down at him.
"Don't touch The Sword," his deep voice growled.
Holding his scorched hand, the man looked up at him nodding profusely.
The chattering and murmurs reached a new level as the two made their way to the front of Greyskull Hall, He-Man releasing She-Ra as they stood at the bottom of the steps clasping their hands behind their backs, their matching sapphire gazes moving over the attendees.
Prince Adam and Princess Adora slowly read the room breathing slow and steady, Randor and Marlena tossing a concerned glance at their children.
"Any questions?" the King asked.
"Why are you assigned the roles of The Defender and The Protector?" someone yelled out.
"These aren't roles," He-Man replied, "They're simply who we are."
"Prince Adam, be honest; aren't you jealous of this guy stealing your thunder?"
He-Man expelled a soft breath, his shoulders imperceptibly slumping as Prince Adam's shoulders squared a breath, the Prince's serene gaze waxing a frown.
"Really?"
The congregants laughed.
"Princess Adora, she could be your sister! Do you think you two could be friends?"
She-Ra breathed out, her frame slouching just slightly. The Princess Royal took a deep breath.
"This is my first time meeting her. I think we could be great friends."
The Etherian Warrior slowly turned to lock gazes with Adora, the Princess nodding a smile, She-Ra returning it.
For nearly an hour, the assembly shot rapid fire questions at the four, they answering being cognizant not to give up the Castle's secrets when the King held up a hand.
"That's quite enough all, thank you. Greyskull's Champions must leave us now. They actively patrol both worlds; we mustn't keep them from their duties."
He-Man took a breath in, his shoulders squaring as he glanced at his sister, She-Ra filling her lungs and following him through the crowd toward the exit, hands once again reaching toward them as Adam and Adora's shoulders slumped slightly, robotically scanning the room right and left, Teela wiggling her fingers behind her, the two flinching with a shot of energy.
The Guard followed the Warriors out, the doors closing as Their Highness suddenly blinked and took deep breaths in, slightly more animated.
"This doesn't explain Captain Duncan!" someone offered, Adam and Teela exchanging glances.
"Wasn't that her at the Castle that day—?"
A bolt of lightning suddenly broke through the ceiling striking the floor with a deafening crack of thunder making everyone jump, people crying out in fear, murmurings intensifying.
The Sorceress dressed in shimmering emerald armor, white skirts, and boots stood before them, her wings outstretched, the standard of King Greyskull emblazoned on her breastplate, the intimidating glare of the falcon headdress formidable, her long fiery locks rolling down her back. She lowered her arms, cameras shuttering when she waved a palm, all electronics in the chambers going dead.
"I will not be photographed," she stated, her features level.
The surprised chatter reduced to a hush.
"I am the Sorceress of Castle Greyskull," she stated, her falcon-like emerald gaze moving about the silent awe-filled chambers, Teela's eyes going wide, the twins' eyebrows flying upward at the surprise guest.
"Greyskull has allowed The Champions to attend the briefing today, however, this will be their last sanctioned appearance. The Castle serves as the Sentry of our galaxy, keeping watch day and night to defend and protect the known universe. It will no longer be prevailed upon to entertain the petty curiosity of the masses," she explained, her features leveled and searching. "We have work to do, and it must not be hindered. Have I made myself abundantly clear?"
Wide eyed, the journalists silently nodded as highly amused, the King and Queen pressed their lips together.
She gave the assembly one more once over, her snowy white wings trembling slightly.
"Thank you. I remain in dedicated service to The Omniscient One and The Ancient Castle Of The Evergreens; the namesake of His Majesty King D'Vann Greyskull Of Eternia. I bid you all good day."
At that, she vanished in a peel of thunder, the chambers crying out once again as everyone glanced about at one another, the electronics suddenly switching back on of their own volition.
Silence.
"Any more questions?" Randor asked, hiding his amusement.